The Houston Independent School District Board of Education soon will begin gathering community feedback on the candidate profile for the next superintendent, and could have a replacement named as early as May.
Monthly Archives: February 2016
HISD facing $107 million budget shortfall under current public school funding structure
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Under Texas’ current funding structure, the Houston Independent School District will be required to send millions of dollars back to the state, resulting in a projected $107 million budget shortfall for the 2016-2017 school year.
Under Chapter 41 of the Texas Education Code, the state school finance system requires districts designated as property-wealthy to send tax dollars back to the state — a process known as “recapture” and commonly referred to as Robin Hood. The money is then re-distributed to districts deemed to be property-poor, as well as to the state’s general fund for use in non-education purposes.
Students formalize college commitments during National Signing Day ceremony
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As a part of National Signing Day, more than 100 HISD students gathered at the Pavilion on the Forest Brook Middle School campus on Feb. 3 to formally announce their intent to play sports for particular colleges or universities this fall. The annual ceremony marks the culmination of years of hard work — both in the classroom and out on the field — and many of the talented athletes present were savoring their moment in the spotlight.
“I have never been to anything like this before,” said Reagan High School soccer player Stephanie Sanchez, who is going to Alcorn State University in Loman, Mississippi. “I am just soaking it all in.”
HISD student athletes commit to play college sports on National Signing Day
More than 100 of HISD’s top performing student athletes committed to taking their academic and athletic talent to the college level on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.
The HISD ceremony recognized the students’ formal commitment to continue their education and sports careers at colleges and universities around the country. During the event, students signed symbolic certificates of intent to continue their careers in baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling. Continue reading
Tinsley ES building ‘Global Graduates’ through leadership council
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A group of 20 students at HISD’s Tinsley Elementary School is getting a head start on middle school, as well as a chance to build their leadership skills, thanks to a new council created by the principal.
Twice each month, 17 fifth-graders and three fourth-graders meet with the principal and faculty sponsors to discuss qualities of the Global Graduate and other subjects of interest, and once a month, they host a dinner for families and distinguished community members. The most recent dinner, held on Jan. 28, featured a special guest — Board of Education First Vice President Wanda Adams.
Garden Oaks Montessori bond project team shares design plans with community
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Around 100 stakeholders of Garden Oaks Montessori turned out this week for a bond community meeting to learn about design plans to expand and renovate the 75-year-old school.
The crowd heard from the project manager, architect, principal, and trustee, and had the opportunity to ask questions.
“The community is excited about the new construction, and especially that we are also able to include renovations to our existing building in the scope,” said Garden Oaks Principal Lindsey Pollock. “The neighborhood has been tremendously supportive of the project.”
Two HISD students win top honors in regional Scholastic contest
Anna White, from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, was named an “American Visions” finalist in this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Contest for her painting, entitled “Afternoon Nap.”
The Harris County Department of Education recently announced the regional winners of the Scholastic Art & Writing contests, and one of the top 10 finalists in each category attends an HISD school.
Anna White (High School for the Performing and Visual Arts) was named an American Visions finalist for her painting entitled “Afternoon Nap,” while Jaelynn Walls (Carnegie Vanguard High School) was named an American Voices finalist for her personal essay/memoir entitled “Prime.” American Visions and American Voices nominees are considered regional “best of show” winners in art and writing (respectively). Each will receive a $250 scholarship from sponsor Texas Art Supply, and one finalist in each category will earn the national medal in March.
Six HISD schools recognized by Touchdown Club for demonstrating good sportsmanship
Six high school campuses in HISD were honored recently for their athletes’ consistent demonstration of good sportsmanship during competitions. Austin, Kashmere, Lee, North Forest, Waltrip, and Westbury high schools were all named finalists for the Touchdown Club Houston’s annual Sportsmanship Awards.
“The annual gala rewards high schools for doing things the right way,” said HISD Senior Athletics Program Administrator André Walker. “Squads are judged based on their actions on the field, the actions of the support personnel in the stands, the number of personal fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls, and respect for the American flag.”
The schools were formally recognized during the Touchdown Club’s 11th annual luncheon held on Jan. 28.
UIL realignment means less travel time for HISD athletes
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) released its district realignments for 2016–2018 on Feb. 1, 2016, at all Regional Service Centers across Texas.
The day was huge for athletics programs across the state, as both schools and school districts learned who they will be competing against for the next two years in football and basketball.
“HISD faired quite well,” said HISD Athletics Director Marmion Dambrino. “We are excited that in our 6A, 5A, and 4A conferences, all of the schools are within our district.”
In the last realignment, Navasota, Sealy, and LaMarque ISDs were included in the Houston ISD district competition schedule.
“When you involve other school districts, it becomes challenging due to the number of teams we have and the weekly long-distance travel for students,” said Dambrino.
Please see the UIL website for specific alignments.
HISD teacher receives state humanities award
Rebecca Ryan
Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men teacher Rebecca Ryan is among 12 recipients from across the state to receive the 2015 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award.
The award is among several bestowed annually by Humanities Texas — a National Endowment for the Humanities affiliate — to encourage excellence in teaching and recognize Texas classroom teachers who have made exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development and extracurricular programming. Continue reading